WHO WE ARE: Established locally in 1911, Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada (VOA NCNN) is one of the region's largest providers of social services. Our professional staff operates more than 40 locally managed and delivered programs. Services include food and shelter, counseling, independent living and parenting skills, substance-abuse treatment and rehabilitation, and job training. Currently, VOA NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children every night.

OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence, through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting for a Diversion & Intake Specialist position for our Nevada Cares Campus. This is a full-time, 4X10 position Sunday - Wednesday from 6:00 am - 4:00 pm.  (Thursday, Friday and Saturday off) The Nevada Cares Campus offers a safe place and a way forward for men and women experiencing homelessness in the Reno area. In partnership with Washoe County, the Nevada Cares Campus provides emergency shelter for up to 600 adult individuals and couples. Clients can bring their pets and possessions with them as they access support services and case management. Full-time employees (working 30 or more hours a week) are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick pay, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Diversion and Intake Specialist is responsible for facilitating, monitoring, and organizing intake assessments using the Coordinated Entry process to determine guest eligibility in meeting the program’s requirements in the registration process of prospective guests, and the coordination of moving guests into the program.  The Diversion and Intake Specialist will provide triage, diversion, and assessment services that lead to potential connections with housing and service resources.

OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

A. Responsible for all areas of Diversion tactics and requirements to achieve maximum potential outcomes and objectives.   

1. Provide triage and diversion services to individuals accessing the Nevada Cares Campus Shelter.
2. Conduct assessments to ensure diversion tactics and services are best utilized.
3. Assist potential participants in locating housing options to prevent any episodes of homelessness when safe and appropriate options are available. 
4. Acts as a liaison between individuals experiencing housing crises and outside agencies.
5. Identify potential partnerships with community agencies.
6. Ensure all data, including diversion outcomes, are tracked in the desired database.
7. Responsible for verifying and documenting eligibility of programs when applicable.
8. Utilize trauma-informed care methods, motivational interviewing, and other best practices.
9. Performs other program-related duties as assigned.

B.  Responsible for performing daily work requirements to achieve established objectives of the department.

1. Complete all shelter intakes according to HMIS standards.

2. Completes shelter intakes for overflow. 
3. Enter all necessary participant information into HMIS promptly.
4. Coordinate and schedule appointments for participants as appropriate.
5. Scan and upload documents to digital programs.
6. Orient participants on shelter policies, rules, rights, and responsibilities.
7. Coordinates assessment of personal supplies and space for participants, pets, and storage.
8. Maintain positive interactions with participants, staff, and partner agencies.
9. Develop an ongoing interview schedule and process for daily intakes of new guests.
10. Participate in VOA, Washoe County, and outside training sessions.
11. Provide other documentation as required by the funding source and/or VOA.

C.  Responsible for all areas of daily program maintenance in compliance with company policies.

1. Document and report all participant concerns and/or infractions that can affect the program’s security. Notify the Shelter Director where applicable.
2. Secure approval for exceptions to standard policy.
3. Notify management of potential workflow problems and resources needed to attain performance standards.
4. Adhere to staffing schedules to provide adequate/safe staffing coverage and accomplish program objectives.

D. Responsible for self-development.

1. Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
2. Model positive behavior to help participants as they work towards self-sufficiency.
3. Attend staff meetings/assigned training and complete required certifications, i.e., CPR, First Aid, etc.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Advanced education is preferred. Three (3) years of working experience in social services is preferred. Experience working with the homeless population is preferred. Working knowledge of HMIS is highly desired.  This position requires providing services to guests without ethnic or social prejudices. This position requires demonstrated ability in record-keeping, good written and verbal communication skills, and knowledge of problems unique to women, minorities, persons with disabilities, substance abuse and recovery, low-income, and the general homeless population. CPR/First Aid certification is required within 90 days of employment.   Must be flexible to work irregular hours and be willing to function as a team member. Valid Nevada driver’s license and ability to meet the organization’s insurance carrier guidelines required.  Must undergo a criminal background check.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Oral and written communication skills
Computer skills, including Excel and Word
Ability to assist other people
Organizational skills
Analytical and decision-making ability

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Lift and move up to 40 pounds
Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently
Climb stairs regularly
Kneel occasionally